Laser Hair Removal in San Francisco

Laser Hair Removal does make a difference, and we have the most experience!

Laser Hair Removal is our specialty. Especially for darker skin types. Dr. Bitter Sr. has been removing unwanted hair with laser and intense pulsed light since 1995. He brought that expertise to San Francisco in 1998. He and his team of medical professionals performed the FDA clinical trials for hair removal for ESC Medical Systems, now Lumenis, the largest laser manufacturer in the world. Dr. Bitter and his team of medical professionals have trained hundreds of physicians and their staff in the process of Permanent Hair Reduction, as well as other laser and cosmetic procedures.

We use the Inmode High Speed Laser and the LightSheer Diode Laser to tailor your treatment program to your specific needs. Our treatment technology combined with our expertise delivers the quickest and most effective treatment. We specialize in treating patients with darker skin tones. Our protocol involves pretreating the skin so that stronger settings can be used to effectively eliminate the hair while protecting the skin from the occurrence of pigmentation.

Individual results may vary.

Our laser hair removal prices are very affordable and we do not believe in selling packages. Instead we prefer to charge you only after you have received a treatment. Each individual requires a different number of treatments and prices are based on the area treated. If 3 or more areas are treating at once, you will receive a 10% discount. Some of our pricing for laser hair removal in San Francisco is as follows:

Bikini $99
Brazilian Bikini $225
Underarms $99
Lip and Chin $99

Front or Back of Neck $99Full Back $300 and up
Full Legs $300 and up**Full Body Treatments require a custom quote.

Dr. Bitter Sr. was chosen as 1 of 11 physicians in the US to perform the FDA clinical trials for laser hair removal. These trials began in 1995 and the laser hair removal system was approved for use in the US in July of 1997.

This experience allowed the Epi Center’s medical team valuable insight into the specific laser hair removal protocols that were set for treating various skin types. Since that time, our protocols have evolved further and we not only treat lighter skin types but also the hair on dark skin very effectively.

Laser hair removal’s success is 30% technology and 70% technique. While it is important to have a laser that can achieve the results, it is even more important to see someone with significant experience and attention to detail. The more skilled the treatment provider is, the fewer treatments it will take to achieve the desired result.

Individual results may vary.

Experience makes a difference. Schedule a complimentary consultation and we will educate you on the process of laser hair removal and determine how many treatments it will require to achieve your desired results.

How does laser hair removal work?
Laser hair removal works as the light wavelength from the laser is absorbed by germinative cells that produce hair in the follicle. The follicle is heated and the germinative cells are destroyed. The duration of each pulse is just long enough to damage the follicle, while the system’s ChillTip helps protect the skin by conductive cooling during the laser energy delivery.

Who is a candidate for laser hair removal?
The Light Sheer system is designed to be safe and effective for all skin types. For darker skin types appropriate frequencies are generally lower and appropriate pulse widths are generally longer to prevent damage to the epidermis. In order to safely treat hair on darker skin our protocol often requires up to 7 to 21 days of pretreatment with a topical medication, depending on the degree of pigment in the skin. Using the appropriate treatment parameters, people with all skin types can benefit from laser hair removal in San Francisco.

Is laser hair removal permanent?
Most patients we see that received treatment with us over 10 years ago are still extremely happy with their results. The FDA approved laser hair removal for permanent hair reduction, but our patients often call it permanent hair removal!

How many laser hair removal treatments will I need and how often?
Each hair follicle passes through three different growth phases. An active (growth) phase, an intermediate (resting) phase where no growth occurs but the hair is still visible, and a resting phase where the hair is released from the follicle. It is necessary to treat the hair in an active growing phase in order to target the germination cells that produce the hair in the follicle. Because not all hair follicles are in a growing phase at the same time, multiple sequential treatments are required for optimal hair reduction. Generally, most patients will require between 4 to 6 treatments to experience 70% to 90% hair reduction. Treatments for facial areas are usually scheduled 6 – 8 weeks apart, while body areas are scheduled 8 – 12 weeks apart. It is recommended to do treatments consistently, as this allows us to treat all the hair follicles in a growth cycle at some time during your hair removal treatments.

Is laser hair removal painful?
The LightSheer system’s ChillTip helps reduce discomfort while protecting the skin surface. If sensitive areas are to be treated, a topical anesthetic cream may be applied to the site for added comfort.

What will the treated area look like after the laser hair removal procedure?
Immediately after laser hair removal treatment, the site will appear slightly red in color, and will feel like a mild sunburn. This reaction subsides within 20 minutes to a few hours depending on the individual. You may resume regular activities immediately.

What advantages does the LightSheer have over other laser hair removal systems?
It is safe, effective and treatments are affordable. With the large spot size of the handpiece, treatments can be done quickly. This technology is the only laser manufactured in the US and is considered the Mercedes-Benz of hair removal lasers.